Car for Lease/Rent May through August

Elan
Getting a short term lease from an agency or dealer is almost unheard of in St Croix. I know I tried to get a three month lease and the lowest rate I could get was $890 a month. That was $2670 for the 90 days. The problem is the car rental companies are geared to the short term tourist market.

You might find someone on this board who has a car that they could rent to you for less for this period. Another option is to buy a "beat up" island car for the same $2670 (+ -)and try to sell it at the end of your stay to cut your losses. Has anyone here done that? It would be a hassle, but if you have friends or business associates "on island" who can sell it when you are leaving, it might work out.

During the summer months you should be able to get a monthly rental for 600 to 800 a month. It should be closer to $600 for the months you mentioned. Try doing a search on this subject for car rental companies. I forget the number of the companies that are the cheapest. But as always on stx try to bargain a little, if you dont ask you dont get.

Thanks - could you reccomend some car rental companies that you think may be the cheapest?

I have a 94 suzuki sidekick 4 door hardtop that is kind of an island car. i bought it in november and has been reliable. i will be leaving the island next week and won't be back until winter. i wouldn't mind renting the car for the 3 months you are mentioning, but i would be worried about the liability issue. Best way might be to sell you the car, with the idea of buying it back 3 months later. i was thinking about a rental amount of say $200 per month, so i could sell you the car for $2000, with the agreement that i can buy it back 3 months later for $1400. Just an idea, might be crazy. if you had the time to find your own vehicle, i think you could do well by buying and trying to sell when you are done. there really shouldn't be much depreciation in value in a 3 month period.
the great thing in the virgin islands is that the transactional costs are not very high. its not like at home where you have sales taxes and excise taxes. only costs would be the transfer of registration.
if you have interest in suzuki, you can pm me and i will send you photos, but you can also wait until you get down here and check it out.

Geoff,

Your offer sounds interesting - I would like to talk with you about it - how do we get in touch? I have friends on-island that could check the car out for me.

Thanks

Elan

Elan,
I also have a friend who has a cavalier 4 door sedan, who also might be interested in similar arrangement. will ask him tomorrow. I also have a great condo i can rent you for 3 months. its right on the water's edge at coral princess. i've just spent the last 3 months totally redoing the place, and it will have all new furniture as of tomorrow. there are some photos on craigs list under rentals.
my phone number is 340-719-4773, but my phone is really acting up, so might take a few tries.
Geoff

Elan,
if you can't get through by phone, try emailing me at [email protected]
Geoff

Geoff, I tried calling and emailing you - I can't get in touch. Please email me at [email protected]